People in the villa and holiday-rental business often talk about getting a “TPDCo licence”. Strictly, the TPDCo licence is a Jamaica Tourist Board licence for tourist accommodation, issued after the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) has inspected the property and recommended it. TPDCo is the tourism ministry agency that sets and checks standards; the Board grants the licence under the Tourist Board Act and related legislation such as the Resort Cottages Act.
Who needs one
Hotels, guest houses, resort cottages and villas marketed to visitors fall within the licensing system, along with many other tourism businesses such as attractions and some transport operators. Whether every individual short-term rental of a private home must be licensed has been a live policy debate. A Jamaica Tourist Board Bill that would have made registration and licensing mandatory for most short-term rental operators was tabled in 2025 but stalled after industry objections, and the tourism ministry has said regulation of home-sharing remains a priority. Separately, Parliament has approved bringing short-term rental accommodation within GCT from April 2027.
What the process looks like
An operator approaches TPDCo, which explains the standards and inspects the premises. The checks cover areas such as fire safety and escape routes, health and sanitation, food handling where meals are served, and the general condition of rooms and facilities. Clearances from the fire brigade and health authorities are typically part of the file. A planning-compliant use of the building also matters, since a house approved as a private dwelling may raise questions if converted to a multi-unit guest operation. Licences need to be renewed and standards maintained.
Why it matters to owners and buyers
A licensed property can be marketed through official tourism channels and may qualify for some sector incentives, and licensing reassures guests and insurers. Before buying an apartment or house for holiday letting, check the strata by-laws or restrictive covenants, which may prohibit short-term rental regardless of licensing, and speak to TPDCo about current requirements. Comparable systems include Barbados’s move to register short-term rentals and the licensing schemes run by many US cities.
Related terms: Vacation rental, Short-term rentals, Tourism, Strata Corporation, GCT, Resort Cottages Act.
Accurate as at October 2026. Tourism licensing rules are under review and can change.
